The 10 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Silicon Valley

It's not easy being green, or vegan.

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For those who eat vegan or vegetarian, eating out at restaurants can be quite difficult. Having to tell your waiter about your dietary needs can sometimes be an annoyance to both parties. Though Silicon Valley has many restaurants, not all of them are vegan or vegetarian compliant.

This list is a compilation of the ten best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Silicon Valley. Not only are these places vegan and vegetarian-friendly, they can sure suit the taste buds of your meat-loving friends. You may be able to even convert them over to lovers of tofu, salads, and even vegan ice cream!

Located on South 1st. Street, Good Karma is one of a few places in downtown San Jose to grab a vegetarian bite to eat. The menu, though small, has a lot of delicious dishes such as quinoa bowls, quesadillas, and even a chocolate pie. The food is fresh, quality, and very flavorful. Aside from selling vegetarian and vegan eats, they brew their own beers and ale, hence the name "ale" in their name.

With chains scattered across the West Coast, Veggie Grill is one of my personal favorites. From "buffalo" cauliflower bites to nachos to burgers to Korean BBQ tacos, to their renowned carrot cake, this place has it all. The food here resembles and tastes similar to that of actual meat. Unlike the other restaurants mentioned, Veggie Grill has more locations than just one.

Vietnamese cuisine oftentimes incorporates a lot of meat in their dishes. At Mint and Basil, they offer these classic dishes with a vegetarian twist. Whether you like phở (rice noodle soup), bún thịt nướng chả giò (rice noodles with pork and eggrolls), Bò lúc lắc (shaking beef), or spring rolls, Mint and Basil has them all. Not only is their food suitable for vegetarians, they also do not use MSG while preparing their food.

That piece of "meat" present in this chicken and waffles dish is in fact vegan. Happy Hooligans serves up your favorite comfort foods using only vegan ingredients. Whether your idea of comfort food includes mac and cheese, burgers, buffalo chicken, chicken and waffles, or burritos, Happy Hooligans has it all. In addition to their out of this world dishes, Happy Hooligans has yummy desserts, such as a s'mores pie for the chocolate lovers or carrot cake.

It is sometimes hard to seek out vegetarian options at sandwich places (especially a Philly cheesesteak shop). Luckily, Ike's Sandwiches has items for meat-lovers and vegetarians and vegans alike. They offer sandwiches with veggies, vegan meats, and vegan cheeses. The sandwiches at Ike's are fresh, delicious, and colossal. They are very messy so keep a few napkins in your hand. As a perk, they throw in a caramel apple pop to freshen up any onion breath.

Tofoo Com Chay is another vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant in Silicon Valley. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant has fresh, flavorful, filling, affordable portions. Some of their best dishes include their soups as well as tofu dishes. Not only is their food pho-nomenal, they offer delicious desserts, such as their vegan flan, cookies, and mochi.

Similar to Veggie Grill, Loving Hut is a chain fast food offering vegetarian and vegan fare. The menu items they have are sandwiches, soups, salads, nuggets, and even vegan cheesecake. According to their website,Loving Hut's dishes are lactose-free, cholesterol-free, and MSG-free. However, they are not void of gluten, nuts, or soy products. Each location has different dishes, so check the menu beforehand.

A family-operated business, Crepes Bistro utilizes organic and locally grown ingredients in their dishes. They offer a myriad of vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as ones for those who eat gluten-free.

Craving crepes but not sure if they are vegan? Crepes Bistro has vegan cheese to offer. From savory crepes to sweet crepes to oatmeal to burgers to salads, there is surely something for everyone.

Named as the best Thai and vegetarian restaurant in San Jose/ Silicon Valley, Blue Mango sure lives up to its title. With over 60 offerings, this place has food for both those who eat meat and vegetarians. From pineapple fried rice to pad thai to curry, Blue Mango offers these dishes on their vegetarian menu. The dishes are fresh, flavorful, scrumptious. Make sure you save room for dessert, though. Their sticky rice and fried bananas are to-die-for.

Last but not least, what I presume to be the best part of the day: dessert! Happiness Café has delicious desserts such as vegan ice cream, banana splits, waffles, shaved ice, and a variety of Asian pudding desserts. Aside from their vegan desserts, they have delicious boba smoothies, side dishes, and main dishes.

One of their best dishes is their avocado egg rolls. They are creamy, crunchy, delicious, and flaky. Not only are their menu items vegan, they are also lactose and cholesterol free, so your lactose-intolerant buddies can enjoy a meal here too without needing to worry about milk products.

Though it can sometimes be hard to find a restaurant that is delicious and suitable for vegan and vegetarian lifestyles in Silicon Valley, there are a few hidden gems that are worth checking out. California is home to many places that will suit your needs, all you need to do is search. Whether you eat vegan, vegetarian, or are an omnivore like me, these restaurants have delicious options that will satisfy your taste buds.